July 17 news: Sickle cell Anemia, individual mandate, HIV/AIDS

NPR – Sickle Cell Anemia Is On The Rise WorldwideBut the vast majority of kids in developing countries don’t get diagnosed or treated for sickle cell anemia. “Up to 90 percent of these children will die in the first five years of their life,” Piel says. The World Health Organization has long recognized the importance of sickle cell anemia as a global health issue.

Washington Post – House GOP slated to vote on delaying provisions of Obama’s health care lawUnder the health law, companies with 50 or more workers must provide affordable coverage to their full-time employees or risk a series of escalating tax penalties if just one worker ends up getting government-subsidized insurance. Originally, that requirement was supposed to take effect Jan. 1. It will now be delayed to 2015.

The Hill – OVERNIGHT HEALTH: Obama announces new effort against HIVPresident Obama announced a new initiative Monday to fight HIV in the United States by better coordinating federal efforts against the virus. The group is required to submit recommendations for improving federal efforts to stop HIV to the president within 180 days.

NY Times – Health Plan Cost for New Yorkers Set to Fall 50%Individuals buying health insurance on their own will see their premiums tumble next year in New York State as changes under the federal health care lawtake effect, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Wednesday. State insurance regulators say they have approved rates for 2014 that are at least 50 percent lower on average than those currently available in New York.

USA Today – Protesters win environmental battle in ChinaMore than 1,000 people gathered at Jiangmen City Hall last week to demand authorities stop a planned uranium-processing facility that protesters feared would affect their health — and the health of future generations. The $6 billion plant in Heshan, a smaller city administered by Jiangmen less than 60 miles from Hong Kong, was designed as a major supplier to nuclear power stations that Beijing says will help end China’s reliance on heavily polluting coal.

Public Health Institute and APHA release a new infographic on the importance of a healthy workplace.